National Memorial Day Concert

Arts and Music Series

On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage for one of the highest-rated programs on PBS. For over 35 years, this multiple-award-winning television event has honored the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Krista Simpson Anderson: A Gold Star Wife’s Mission to Serve (Teaser)

1m 12s

After losing her husband SSG Michael H. Simpson in 2013 to a fatal wound from an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, Gold Star Wife Krista Simpson Anderson turned her grief into purpose, supporting fellow military and Gold Star Families and creating space for healing. Her strength, rooted in community and service, reminds us that even while navigating tragedy there are gifts along the way.

Col Otis Evans: Courage in the Skies of Vietnam (Teaser)

30s

During the Vietnam War, three million Americans deployed. Over 58,000 never made it home, and many more who returned were forever changed. Among them is Colonel Otis Evans who served as a DUSTOFF pilot with the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, flying medevac missions under fire with extraordinary bravery.

Don Graves: A Marine’s Story from Iwo Jima (Teaser)

30s

On the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the National Memorial Day Concert honors the millions of the Greatest Generation who served on the front lines and the home front. Among them is U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Don Graves, a flamethrower who stormed the black sands of Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine Division in one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

2025 National Memorial Day Concert Preview

30s

Watch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. With all-star performances and tributes from Washington, D.C., the concert honors our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Airs Sunday, May 25, 2025, 8/7C.

WWII Veteran Jack Moran - The Men We Lost (Full)

13m 59s

In 1944, millions around the world held their breath as it fell to young servicemen like U.S. Army soldier John "Jack" Moran to stop Hitler's march across Europe. Hear Jack's account of his service, of the friends he lost and of the sacrifices made by our Greatest Generation.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kirstie Ennis - The Wounds of War (Full)

7m 6s

After a helicopter crash in Afghanistan claimed her left leg and ended her military career, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kirstie Ennis had to find a new purpose. Her inspiring journey has led her around the world as she honors and remembers America’s fallen heroes and reaches out to those struggling with the wounds of war.

Gold Star Father Allen Hoe Honors His Son 1LT Nainoa K. Hoe (Feature Part 2)

13m 20s

Gold Star families know all too well the cost of freedom. When Vietnam veteran Allen Hoe’s son 1LT Nainoa K. Hoe was killed in Iraq, Allen experienced a parent’s worst nightmare. His journey through grief and search for peace after Nainoa's death inspired a lifelong commitment to healing the wounds of war by supporting those touched by its effects.

Vietnam Veteran Allen Hoe Remembers His Fallen Brothers (Feature Part 1)

8m 57s

For Vietnam veteran Allen Hoe, serving in the military was a reflection of his Hawaiian warrior culture. On Mother’s Day, 1968, Allen lost 18 of his buddies, 10 classified as Missing in Action. Upon returning home, he made it his mission to locate the families of his fallen buddies, offering them comfort and doing everything in his power to bring his brother warriors to their final resting places.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. Address

1m 41s

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. delivers his address to members of the military and their families on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Ruthie Ann Miles Performs "The Star-Spangled Banner"

1m 54s

Performing live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, star of the screen and stage, Ruthie Ann Miles performs "The Star Spangled Banner" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Jena Malone Tells the Story of Wounded Warrior U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kirstie Ennis

8m 23s

Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominated actress Jena Malone shares the moving story of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kirstie Ennis, an inspiring adaptive athlete who carries with her the memory of her fallen brothers and sisters. The 2024 National Memorial Day Concert aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Joe Mantegna & Gary Sinise Tribute Korean War Veterans

1m 36s

Longtime advocates for the men and women of our armed services, co-hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise pay tribute to Korean War veterans on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Ruthie Ann Miles Performs "Aloha 'Oe"

3m 24s

Hawaii's own star of stage and screen, Ruthie Ann Miles, performs for our nation’s fallen heroes and their families the traditional Hawaiian folk song "Aloha 'Oe" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

BD Wong Tells the Story of Vietnam Veteran and Gold Star Father Allen Hoe

9m 14s

Tony Award-winning actor and director BD Wong pays tribute to fallen heroes and Gold Star families in recounting the story of Vietnam veteran and Gold Star father Allen Hoe, his search for peace after his son’s death, and a chance meeting at the Vietnam Women's Memorial. The 2024 National Memorial Day Concert aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Co-hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise Introduce Taps

1m 30s

In honor of the fallen and their families, U.S. Army SGM Matt Byrne performs the bugle call signal "Taps" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Jamey Johnson Performs "21 Guns"

3m 19s

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and country music star Jamey Johnson debuts his powerful new single "21 Guns" honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's military on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Reach Out Conversation with Mary McCormack & U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kirstie Ennis

1m 51s

Daughter of two Marines, award-winning actress Mary McCormack welcomes U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kirstie Ennis onstage to deliver a message of hope and support for our service members and their families on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Maestro Jack Everly & the National Symphony Orchestra Perform "The Armed Forces Medley"

3m 58s

Maestro Jack Everly leads the National Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the patriotic "Armed Forces Medley" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

Cynthia Erivo Performs "Reach Out and Touch"

2m 52s

The incredible Cynthia Erivo delivers a poignant performance of "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert, reminding us of the healing power of connection. Aired Sunday, May 26, 2024 on PBS.

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